Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan recently faced a serious threat when a call came through to the Bandra Police Station in Mumbai. The caller, demanding a hefty ransom of Rs 50 lakh, warned that if the money wasn’t paid, Shahrukh’s life would be at risk. This alarming incident has led to an investigation involving one Faizan Khan, whose mobile number was reportedly used to make the call.
But who is Faizan Khan, and how is he connected to this case? Let’s break down the details.
The Threat Call: What Happened?
On November 5, Bandra Police received a call with a chilling message meant for Shahrukh Khan. The caller demanded Rs 50 lakh and made it clear that failing to comply would lead to deadly consequences. During the call, the individual even stated, “I will kill Bandstand owner Shahrukh Khan.” When the police inquired about his identity, he replied, “My name is Hindustani,” further obscuring his true identity.
Shahrukh Khan’s security team immediately filed an FIR (First Information Report) with the police, who began investigating the origins of the call. Their initial findings revealed that the phone number used for this threat belonged to Faizan Khan, a resident of Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Who is Faizan Khan?
Faizan Khan, a lawyer by profession, lives in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh. As soon as his name surfaced in the investigation, police traveled to Raipur to question him. Faizan stated that he was not behind the threat call and claimed innocence.
In fact, during the interrogation, Faizan claimed that his mobile phone had been stolen just days earlier, on November 2. He also mentioned that he had already lodged a police complaint regarding the theft. Despite his denial, authorities questioned him for two hours and issued a notice for him to appear again on November 14 for further questioning.
Why Faizan Khan Had a Grievance Against Shahrukh
Faizan revealed to the media that he did hold a personal grievance against Shahrukh Khan—one tied to a specific dialogue from the actor’s 1994 film, Anjaam. In the film, Shahrukh’s character references hunting a deer, a line that Faizan, who identifies closely with the Bishnoi community’s views on animal conservation, found offensive.
In one scene of Anjaam, Shahrukh’s character says, “There’s a deer lying outside in the car; cook it and eat it.” This reference disturbed Faizan, who later filed a formal complaint demanding a ban on the film. Despite his anger over the scene, Faizan claims that he was not behind the threat and that his stolen phone must have been misused by someone else.
What the Bishnoi Community Has to Do with This Case
Faizan stated that he has close ties with the Bishnoi community, known for its staunch stance on animal protection and reverence for wildlife. The Bishnoi community has a history of protecting animals, and Bollywood fans might recall that actor Salman Khan’s legal troubles with the Bishnoi community emerged after he was involved in the alleged hunting of a blackbuck, an animal considered sacred by the Bishnois.
The mention of Bishnoi involvement has added a serious undertone to the investigation. However, no official statement links the Bishnoi community to the threat; Faizan’s only claim was that they stand in support of his grievance against Shahrukh’s deer reference in Anjaam.
Faizan’s Response to the Allegations
Faizan has spoken to the media, reiterating his claim of innocence and clarifying his stance. He has emphasized that although he was unhappy with the dialogue in Shahrukh’s film, he never intended any harm. Faizan also expressed frustration over the police’s decision to investigate him despite his stolen-phone complaint.
Police Investigation Continues
The Bandra Police continue to investigate, determined to uncover who is truly responsible for the threat. They have asked Faizan to appear for further questioning, with plans to explore any additional connections or leads. Meanwhile, they are looking into the stolen-phone angle and working to trace any potential miscreants who may have used Faizan’s phone for the call.
The authorities are taking this matter seriously due to the high-profile nature of the case and the ongoing safety concerns for Shahrukh Khan. Given recent threats faced by other Bollywood actors, the police are handling this case with heightened vigilance.
Shahrukh Khan’s Reaction
Shahrukh Khan has not publicly commented on the incident, though his security team has been working closely with law enforcement to ensure his safety. Shahrukh is known to maintain a low profile in such matters, leaving the investigation to the authorities and focusing on his work and family.
Key Takeaways for Fans and the Public
This case highlights the complexities of modern security concerns for public figures, particularly in an age when technology can be easily misused. For Shahrukh’s fans and the general public, this incident serves as a reminder of the heightened security measures celebrities often require and the extensive work law enforcement undertakes to manage these threats.
As the police continue their investigation, the focus remains on identifying the true source of the threat and ensuring Shahrukh Khan’s safety. Fans are hopeful for a swift resolution and trust that law enforcement will bring clarity to this unsettling case.